Kustom K200 Bass

[drbassman]

I've been gassing for one of theses for years and finally saw one I liked that wasn't teal green or beat to death.  It's trans red and in very good condition with minimal checking.  The bass plays and sounds great.  Nice short scale neck and fantastic pickups.  The 3-way switch gives it a great variable tone with a simple flip. 

I can't say enough about the pups.  They are so much better than I expected.  Nice deep low end and plenty of mid and high range output.  I've had numerous vintage basses disappointment with their electronics after owning them.  Mosrite is a good example.  Had two of them and the pups really underperformed in every aspect.  In fact, they sucked.

Anyway,  I love this little guy!  I highly recommend one.

[Granny Gremlin]

Thats a cool little bass.

[drbassman]

Yeah, I always liked the pointy upper bouts and the HB design with the one f-hole.  They sort of looked a little RIC-esque in their design.  They just never really caught on.

Here's a nice brief history of the Kustom guitar company from Kansas.

https://kustomguitars.wordpress.com/2015/04/12/kustom-guitars-history/

[Pilgrim]

I like it! 

But you really oughta play surf with it....

[drbassman]

I like it! 

But you really oughta play surf with it....

Cowabunga, dude!    I know it has RIC and Mosrite roots, of sorts.  I don't recall seeing them back when I was a kid, even on TV.  I do remember the Mosrites because of the Ventures.  Everyone I know played Fender or Gibson basses.

I've grown to like the styling only in recent years while seeing them on eBay!

[Rob]

Those are nicer than I remember.

[drbassman]

Those are nicer than I remember.

Yes,  it's nicely built and well finished.  I especially like the wood working on the body and neck.  The pickups are really strong compared to other old DeArmonds I've had in Coronados and the like.

[Happy Face]

VERY cool!

[66Atlas]

Thats really cool, how many were ever made I wonder. The headstock kinda reminds me of Hagstrom.

[drbassman]

Thats really cool, how many were ever made I wonder. The headstock kinda reminds me of Hagstrom.

Hard to say how many.  Their basses didn't sell well from what I've heard.  Also kustom's amps were their main successful product line.  I did some searching online and didn't find much.

[westen44]

It's true Kustom amps used to get all the attention.  But if I ever ran across a Kustom bass like that now, I'd be very interested.  I love stuff like this.  Just the retro vibe itself is cool, but if it sounds good, too, I don't know what more you could want. 

[drbassman]

It's true Kustom amps used to get all the attention.  But if I ever ran across a Kustom bass like that now, I'd be very interested.  I love stuff like this.  Just the retro vibe itself is cool, but if it sounds good, too, I don't know what more you could want.

I agree.  I love vintage basses and their look, but when they play well and sound great, it's really a special treat.  I had three Cornados and two Mosrites that looked cool but sounded like they were made out of wet cardboard.

[westen44]

I agree that the looks usually exceed the sound.  But you've got me convinced this Kustom bass must be a great-sounding bass. 

[Dave W]

Nice looker. I remember seeing those but don't remember if I ever heard one. I like the pickup placement.

[slinkp]

I had no idea they made anything other than amps. I like it.